New Robert Schenkkan-Neil Berg Musical THE 12 to Premiere in Denver in 2015

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is proud to announce the Theatre Company's world premiere of The 12, a brand new rock musical with book and lyrics by Tony Award winner Robert Schenkkan and music and lyrics by Neil Berg.

Thrilling, heart-pounding music and one of the most influential stories of all time unite in The 12, for what Broadwayworld.com calls "a powerful rock and roll experience that rises up from where Jesus Christ Superstar ends." The 12 enacts the ultimate test of faith faced by the disciples in the wake of their leader's unthinkable death with an original, authentic classic rock music score.

"The 12 is the perfect show to close out the Theatre Company's 2014/15 season," said Kent Thompson, Producing Artistic Director for the Theatre Company. "We are thrilled to present this compelling musical, which has the added bonus of being the third world premiere of the season."

Created by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan (All the Way, The Kentucky Cycle) and award-winning composer Neil Berg (Grumpy Old Men, Prince and the Pauper), The 12 is a rockin' and profoundly honest journey of fear, doubt, and ultimately, love.

"Kent Thompson and I have long discussed working together and I am delighted to see that dream realized in this world premiere production of The 12," said Schenkkan. "I'm a huge fan of the Theater Company. They do extraordinary work for an audience which is both sophisticated and enthusiastic, and Neil and I are thrilled to be joining them this season."

"I could not think of a more prestigious or better theater for the world premiere of The 12 than at the Theatre Company," said Berg. "I'm so excited for the Denver theater audiences to be the first to respond to this unique rock musical."

Past incarnations of the production include a one-night-only concert version staged at B.B King Blues Club in Manhattan in August 2011. The cast included Tony Vincent (American Idiot), Sophia Ramos, Michael Lanning, Elaine Caswell, Ron Bohmer (Phantom of the Opera), Capathia Jenkins (The Civil War), Lawrence Clayton (Dreamgirls) and Dustin Brayley (Rent). A workshop of The 12 took place at the Signature Theatre in New York City in June 2013.

The 12 will close the 2014/15 Theatre Company season, running March 27- April 26, 2015 (opening April 3) in the Stage Theatre.

New and renewing subscribers may reserve season tickets by calling 303.893.6030. TTY 303-893-9582. Subscribers enjoy free ticket exchanges, payment plans, priority offers to Broadway and student shows, discounted extra tickets, a dedicated VIP hotline, free events including talkbacks and receptions, and the best seats at the best prices, guaranteed. Single tickets may be purchased online at www.denvercenter.org, by phone at 303.893.4100 or at Denver Center Ticket Services in the lobby of the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex, Mon - Sat from 10am to 6pm.

This production of The 12 is part of the Theatre Company's 2014/15 season. The Theatre Company is generously supported by Daniel L. Ritchie, Larimer Square, Steinberg Charitable Trust and Wells Fargo. Media sponsors are CBS4 and The Denver Post. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Please visit our website at www.denvercenter.org.